If you’re looking for a school that acts as a stepping stone to higher education rather than just a language school, then Connect International School (CIS) is a reliable pick. We like that they offer structured pathways that help students transition into Canadian universities and colleges. 

Program-wise, it’s nice to see that they have a good mix, including short-term ESL courses, long-term academic tracks like the OSSD, with flexible study schedules, too. This makes it easier for you or your kid to choose a program that matches your timeline. 

It’s just a bummer that they don’t offer a complete K-12 curriculum, since they primarily focus on high school preparation. If you have younger kids, then you’ll probably have to look elsewhere. 

On a positive note, we love their small class sizes. They intentionally only assign around 6 to 8 students per class to create an environment where every student is constantly participating, so they get more speaking time and more attention. 

Professional, patient, and always willing to help

“I studied at this school in Toronto for six months, and overall it was a very enriching experience. The teachers were professional, patient, and always willing to help, which made a big difference in my learning process.”

jhuliana valencia, Google Review

Benefited from the small classes

“I visited CIS with my two teenagers as a family for a month. We had a great time. We benefited from the small classes, lots of conversation and a family atmosphere. The teachers and staff were very friendly and committed. We can highly recommend the school.”

Nicole Näf, Google Review

True to its name, Oxford International Toronto – English School has a wide range of English programs to suit different goals, whether it’s study, work, or communication. Students can go for general English, IELTS prep, business English, and even university pathway programs.

We find it ideal that you can choose between morning, afternoon, evening, and intensive programs depending on your availability or goals.

And since it sits in Toronto’s Entertainment District, students are constantly exposed to English in real-life situations, from cafes to public transport. 

Now, if you don’t want to rely on commuting that much, you can also opt for the school’s accommodation options.

Here’s the thing, though: they’re primarily an English language school, not a full academic institution, so it might fall short if you aim for deep subject-based academic programs. 

Ended up with a better score than expected 

“Everything else from the check-in to the actual exam rooms was top-notch. I ended up with a better score than expected! Speaking – If you’re nervous about the speaking part of the IELTS, I definitely suggest booking at this centre. My examiner was very expressive, hence it motivated me to talk better. Writing – Yes. There are Lenovo mechanical keyboards. Best for typing. Listening – Yes. Headphones are good, insulating, with adequate volume.”

Umang Satute, Google Review

The location is great 

“The experience is incredible; the staff are not only attentive, but they maintain an elegant cheerfulness that allows you to feel calm and focused. The spaces are clean and organized. The location is great, you can access it by streetcar, it has parking nearby and restaurants I am very grateful to the team, who were prompt in providing me with information and quick and efficient guidance.”

Ezequiel Farfan, Google Review

First impressions count, and St. George International College (SGIC) has left us quite impressed. You see, they have over 30 years of experience and have taught more than 135,000 students from over 70 countries; this reflects their consistency and stable programs. 

Speaking of programs, we like that they’re not stingy with the variety of English options they offer. Alongside general English, they also provide niche programs like English for medicine, business, professional, and TESOL. 

On top of that, you can go at your own pace since the courses are available for all levels, from basic learners to advanced students preparing for professional or academic goals. 

But, as you can probably tell by their specialization, they don’t offer a full K-12 or traditional academic curriculum, which can be a dealbreaker for some.

The good news is that they make for a great partner to help students prepare for university or college. You can also benefit from the application process guidance they provide. 

Pays attention to all students 

“I learned a lot, and interacting with people from different countries helped me improve my English. Teacher Masha is excellent and pays attention to all her students. I highly recommend her.”

Priscila Torres, Google Review

Activities and teaching methodology are equally impressive 

“This is an excellent academy that greatly helps you learn English. It offers a variety of courses, unparalleled academic excellence, and incredibly professional and charismatic teachers. The activities and teaching methodology are equally impressive, the staff are amazing, and the after-class tours are fantastic.”

RIVADENEIRA MENDOZA JORGE EDUARDO, Google Review

One of the things we find convenient about Kaplan International Languages is its downtown location. The school is situated near major landmarks like the CN Tower and close to transit hubs—great if you’re looking for real-life exposure and easy exploration.

Kudos to them for taking immersion up a notch by hosting regular activities, such as trips to Niagara Falls, cultural outings, and group events that help students practice English in a relaxed and social environment. 

Course and schedule flexibility is another aspect we like, considering students can study from as little as one week up to a full academic year with varying intensity levels. 

However, we did note that compared to other schools that provide niche or industry-specific courses, their English programs feel more limited. 

We also came across some sentiments regarding the inconsistency of effort from other teachers in connecting with students. 

On the other hand, their accommodation options aren’t inferior to those of other schools. It’s nice to have the option of choosing between homestays and modern residences. 

My experience was truly excellent 

“Kaplan School really surprised me. The teachers are very knowledgeable and can teach you without making you bored or losing your concentration. My experience was truly excellent, and if I had known, I would have stayed longer. Maybe in the future I could come back here with Kaplan in Toronto.”

Veronica Trimboli, Google Review

The lessons are very interactive 

“Kaplan is a very good school. It was a lot of fun and the teachers are excellent. The lessons are very interactive, and even at the C2 level, you learn a great deal. The extracurricular activities were also good. My stay lasted four weeks. I can highly recommend the school, although Toronto doesn’t really show its true potential in March.”

Jonas Bergenthal, Google Review

Since its establishment in 1999, ILSC Toronto English Language School has continued to provide programs that go beyond ESL. It’s neat that the school has creative and cultural courses like English through film or food, business English, test prep, and more. 

With this sort of variety, we love that they allow students to customize and combine core English classes with elective courses, giving students more control over their learning experience. 

Their facilities are worth highlighting, too. We found that they operate multiple campuses in downtown Toronto, featuring dozens of classrooms, computer labs, student lounges, kitchens, and fast Wi-Fi. 

The drawback? There were some reports regarding inconsistencies with organizational or administrative processes, such as coordination and communication. This can easily cause misunderstandings and delays.

But regardless, the school can assist you with things like student advising, visa assistance, and even university admission. A big win if you’re not confident in navigating both academic and personal challenges of studying abroad. 

Any student, regardless of their level, can improve 

“I really enjoyed the school and the learning experience. Any student, regardless of their level, can improve. I am grateful for the experience.”

Diego Cruz Pereira, Google Review

The classes are great 

“Great experience! The school is excellent and the teachers are very well qualified, their classes are great!”

Márcia Helena Matias, Google Review